Small diameter double layer tubular scaffolds using highly elastic PLCL copolymer for vascular tissue engineering

Tubular double layered scaffolds were fabricated using a biodegradable and elastic polymer, poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL, 50:50), which was comprised of an outer fibrous gel spun layer and inner porous dip coated layer. The mechanical properties were evaluated and compared with a rabbit aorta and expanded poly-tetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). The PLCL scaffolds had circumferentially stronger tensile stress than the rabbit aorta and ePTFE graft, and its longitudinal stress was similar to a rabbit aorta but weaker than ePTFE. The E-modulus of the PLCL scaffold was significantly lower than that of ePTFE but significantly higher than that of the native rabbit aorta, this result was reversible in the case of compliance. There was no significant difference in suture retention strength and burst pressure compared to ePTFE grafts. The scaffolds were seeded with SMCs and cultured under dynamic conditions for 13 days to evaluate the cellularity. After a 13 day dynamic culture, the scaffolds showed efficient cell proliferation. Overall, the double layer small diameter PLCL scaffolds exhibited favorable mechanical strength even at a high pressure and good cellularity under dynamic conditions.